Throughout the majority of 2026, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have locked horns and engaged in multiple matches, promo segments, and sneak attacks, as their feud has finally reached a breaking point. What began during the road to WrestleMania 42 will have a conclusion at Crown Jewel 2026, when ‘The American Nightmare’ and ‘The Viper’ face off in a Last Man Standing Match. Both men fully intend to hurt each other, with Orton attempting to help Rhodes unleash the dark side he’s always kept hidden inside. Can ‘The Apex Predator’ continue to mess with Rhodes’ head and use it to his advantage, or will the three-time WWE Champion finally conquer his demons and defeat Orton without embracing his inner demons?
The first seeds in this feud were planted at Elimination Chamber 2026, when Orton pinned Rhodes inside the chamber to earn a world title opportunity at WrestleMania 42. A few days later. ‘The American Nightmare’ competed for the Undisputed WWE Championship after Drew McIntyre had tried interfering during the chamber match. Rhodes would capture the title, setting up a match on the Grandest Stage of Them All against his friend of many years. During a promo, he asked Orton to not go easy on him despite being friends. ‘The Apex Predator’ responded by viciously attacking Rhodes and leaving him in a pool of blood. Orton’s demented side had awoken and was out to not only take the title, but to hurt Rhodes to the point of no return.
At WrestleMania 42, Rhodes successfully defended his title against Orton. The show would not close with Rhodes raising his hand in victory, however, as Orton attacked him following the match and delivered a devastating punt that left Rhodes bloodied and with one eye shut. Although ‘The Viper’ disappeared from television following the loss and post-match assault, it wouldn’t be the last time he would go after his former Legacy companion. At SummerSlam 2026, during the championship match between Rhodes and CM Punk, Orton would make a surprise return and RKO Rhodes to cost him the match. Both men were now on a collision course, and at Sunday Night’s Main Event 2026, Orton would get the better of his former friend after he faked surrendering and hit a low blow to Rhodes, followed by an RKO to pick up the win.
This result wouldn’t sit well with ‘The American Nightmare’ though, as he would continue calling out Orton for another match, with both men trading verbal jabs at each other. It was then decided that the only way this feud could come to a definitive end was through a Last Man Standing Match. This stipulation would ensure that they could hurt each other to the point where the other man can no longer stand for the count of ten. While Rhodes will look to exact revenge for everything Orton has done to him in 2026, ‘The Viper’ only wants one thing: to see Rhodes unleash the monster in him and push him towards a heel turn.
While both men will look to go after the Undisputed WWE Championship following their feud, a win for Rhodes could help push his stocks towards a world title opportunity. At this stage in his career, Orton doesn’t really need to win another world title, but having him still like a threat to the champion benefits the main event scene, especially if he wins this feud. Only one man can come out on top, and there’s no doubt that the loser will probably be kept off television for a bit. While one stays away and rests, the other will likely go after another world title to add to their accomplishments.
